They are students in the Power Pathway program at American River College, which exposes young veterans to all aspects of utility work -- including the physical side.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District and Pacific Gas and Electric are professional partners in the two-month program.

College officials say the job market for returning young vets is tough, with an unemployment rate near 20 percent.

On Thursday, the vets were learning to climb power poles and attach cross arms at the SMUD Hedge Training Center.

One of those leading fellow vets was former Marine Gerald Shipley, of Vacaville.

His experience includes carrying a 60-pound pack into combat in Afghanistan.

He told KCRA 3 he thinks the training is a good fit with his military experience.

“I appreciate the high-risk environment involved,” he said. "When you get into a trade like this, it’s technical -- and when you become proficient, everything just clicks and you feel really good and secure.”

The veterans say the Power Pathway program can open career doors.

"That’s why I came here,” Jose Espinoza-Lopez said. “As veterans, that (is) what we want. We want a career, not just a job.”

Espinoza-Lopez served on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.

Three female vets are also in the program, including Sharalee Andrew, who grew up in Auburn, and is ex-Army.

She said the aspect of goal-driven teamwork is appealing.

“I feel like there is a purpose in it,” Andrew said. ”And it makes me feel good to be able to help people out.”